Pimsleur vs Babbel Comparison

It’s remarkable how many methodologies companies come up with to teach a new language. Most of them claim their method is the best, and it’s only natural that people have trouble knowing which one to pick. The truth is: all of them work. What changes the courses’ efficacy is how the user prefers to study – not the courses themselves. Pimsleur and Babbel are an example of two language-learning apps teaching in a very different manner. While the former is audio-based and therefore focuses on speaking and listening, the latter has a wider program that tackles all types of exercises. Consequently, it’s crucial to understand which one answers your needs the best before grabbing your wallet.

It’s possible to access Pimsleur either from a computer or a mobile phone since it’s available through a desktop program, mobile app, and its online platform. There’s also the option to download the classes in MP3, which work on any device supporting this file type.

It’s a bit tricky to understand Pimsleur’s pricing strategy, especially since not all options are displayed on the website for easy access. It’s possible to purchase each level of the course separately (starting at $119.95), or get the full program for $550, or get a monthly subscription, the last option offering the best price. If you do a class every single day as intended and pay $14.95 per month, you’ll be able to save around $400 on the full program.

The courses are well structured, providing cultural information and gradually reducing the number of tips written in English as the student progresses. There’s also the option to jump between classes as users see fit, and it’s possible to do specific courses for particular subjects such as travel or work. People who are returning to a language they’ve previously learned can take a placement test after creating an account, and the company provides certificates after accomplishing each course level.

The company’s pricing strategy is very straightforward: it’s subscription-based, and students can choose among several billing cycles. Unsurprisingly, the longer the user commits, the cheaper the service becomes, and Babbel can be obtained for as low as $6.95 per month with yearly installments.

Conclusion

There’s no way around the fact that Babbel offers a more comprehensive language-learning program. However, since it only provides courses for 13 languages, students who want to learn a language outside this company’s portfolio will need to go for Pimsleur instead. Furthermore, students that want to focus on speaking will find Pimsleur fitting their needs the best. On the other hand, users looking for a more immersive approach and different types of exercises will find Babbel is the one to go for. Indeed, both language learning apps are reliable and will teach the basics of any language in no time. But depending on your goals and the way you learn best, only one will work best for you. Take advantage of the free trials these companies provide to test the waters and confirm you’re choosing the right teaching method for you.